Chapter 2 - Family Time
Christmas at Margaret’s house always looked beautiful in photographs.
Lights framed the windows.
Garlands wrapped the staircase.
The dining table disappeared beneath roasted turkey, glazed ham, casseroles, pies, and dishes made from recipes her late husband had loved.
What the pictures never showed was Margaret waking before sunrise to begin cooking.
They did not show her pension paying for the groceries.
They did not show her wrapping eight sets of presents alone or washing dishes after everyone else left.
Laura called it family time.
Michael called it tradition.
Margaret experienced it as work.
The previous Christmas, both of her adult children arrived late.
Laura entered while Margaret was removing the turkey from the oven.
Michael appeared twelve minutes before dinner and complained that the potatoes were cooling.
They ate.
Opened gifts.
Took photographs beside the tree.
Then Laura announced that she and her husband had tickets to a holiday party.
Michael said he and his wife had promised to meet friends downtown.
The eight grandchildren remained behind.
Nobody asked Margaret.
Laura kissed her cheek.
“They’ll be easier here.”
Michael carried in two overnight bags.
“You’re the best, Mom.”
Then they left.
Margaret spread air mattresses across the living-room floor, found blankets, settled arguments, cleaned spilled cocoa, and stayed awake until after two.
By morning, the children were hungry.
Their parents were unreachable.
When everyone finally returned, Laura posted a photograph online.
May you like
Perfect Christmas with the people who matter most.
Margaret was visible in the background carrying a stack of plates.
